Cistern at Buffalo Bayou Park

Built in 1926, an underground cistern was used for decades to hold a large portion of Houston’s public drinking water. After it sprang an irreparable leak, the 85,000 square-foot public reservoir was drained and sat unused and practically forgotten about. The hypnotic beauty of the chamber is reminiscent of Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern but with thin rays of light from open hatches above that illuminate the wide expanse.

The Cistern also houses a number of rotating art instillations from artists who make the space their own with light and sound peices.

In addition to general viewings of the space every 30 minutes Wednesday to Sunday, special Cistern history tours and meditation sessions are also available. Tickets are $5, though no children under the age of nine are permitted.